Maine Climate Trends
Analyzing snowfall, precipitation, and temperature changes in Maine
1 Introduction
With classically cold, snowy winters, vibrant colorful falls, and sunshine-filled summers, Maine attracts vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts in every season. With only a few urban areas, Maine is predominantly rural and known for its rugged coastline and vast, undeveloped stretches of wilderness. Accordingly, the state’s economic stability largely depends upon its many natural resource industries, such as forestry, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
However, Maine is already feeling the impacts of climate change, including warmer, shorter winters, increased flooding, more severe storms, and coastal sea level rise. These hazards are affecting the state’s characteristic ecosystems and the livelihoods of its people in myriad ways. For example, the state’s iconic lobster fishery is already experiencing shifts in species distribution and abundance due to warming waters. Additionally, the state’s forests are at risk from invasive species and pests that thrive in warmer temperatures.